New York's November general election is approaching, and state Attorney General Letitia James is warning voters to watch for AI-generated election misinformation.
According to the Attorney General's Office, AI-generated videos, images and audio recordings have become increasingly sophisticated over the past year and harder to identify. The office also found that AI chatbots can provide incorrect or outdated information about polling locations, voting deadlines and requirements.
"When New Yorkers head to the polls, they deserve to have accurate information to cast an informed vote," James said. "AI has made it easier than ever for bad actors to spread convincing lies about candidates and about when, where, and how to vote, and chatbots can confidently
give voters the wrong answer."
To help combat election misinformation, the Attorney General's Office has released tips for identifying potentially manipulated content and verifying voting information.
How to spot AI-generated election misinformation
The Attorney General's Office recommends that New Yorkers take the following steps to identify and avoid spreading AI-generated election misinformation:
1. Check official election sources. Contact the New York state or local board of elections for accurate information about how, when and where to vote. You can also contact the OAG's Election Protection Hotline during a voting period with questions or to file a complaint.
2. Don't rely on AI chatbots for election information. The office warns that chatbots can provide incorrect polling locations and false information about voting requirements. If you use a chatbot, verify its answers with official sources.
3. Be skeptical of election-related media. Images, audio recordings and videos about elections, candidates and campaigns may be AI-generated or manipulated.
4. Don't share unverified content. Avoid reposting material that may be fake unless you can confirm its authenticity.
5. Report suspected deepfakes. Report social media content that you believe has been manipulated or generated by AI.
6. Verify information across sources. Check election-related claims against reliable sources, particularly official election authorities.
7. Report election misinformation. Contact the Attorney General's Office to report suspected election misinformation.
To report a voting-related video, image or audio recording that may have been manipulated and does not include an AI disclosure, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-390-2992.
Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics, with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York state.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New York AG warns of AI election misinformation ahead of November vote
